Marketing Attorney Blog

DEAR MAM: There are many attorney directories out there–MH, Best Lawyers, Who’s Who, Chambers, Lawyers Diary and Manual, etc…Using criteria such as how long the publication has been in existence, who receives it, how many people receive it, and how much it costs, which ones would you recommend to use and which ones would you recommend to ignore? SINCERELY YOURS, MD, New York, NY

DEAR MD: This is a question I receive daily. Just yesterday, I returned a solicitation call for a “Best Attorneys”, A “Who’s Who”, and a “Best Lawyers”. No kidding! The “Best Lawyers” was actually a forwarded e-mail from a “winning” attorney asking the same type of questions that you are asking.

Because I’m in a nice mood today, I’ll avoid calling any publication out on the carpet. Like Superman, Supergirl and Superlawyers. However, I usually ask attorneys this question: “Which do you use?” and “Which do your clients use?” The answer is generally neither. Most of these publications are ego-driven, vanity sells that impress two people-yourself and your grandma. Maybe, if you are single, a hot date. But, that is less likely.

DEAR MAM: I’m looking for the answer to this question: does it make sense for a law firm to employ an editor? Editors find ways to present information so it’s easy to follow, so it’s easy to find answers to questions. In other fields, editors work with Subject Matter Experts who know the material (but who may not know the best way to present it). Why not have them work with lawyers to make pleadings as effective and persuasive as possible? Sincerely, MT, San Francisco, CA

DEAR MT: I am going to answer your question along two completely different lines. First, while the concept of hiring an editor to work on pleadings, briefs and other legal documents might sound smart, the reality is that “legal writing” is in a world of its own. I still remember struggling through my 1L legal writing course in law school, because I was at a distinct disadvantage-I knew how to write. I was coming off a year reporting for The Baltimore Sun, and using real journalistic approaches to legal writing. Most lawyers can not write for their lives, but they know how to write legal stuff. Do you think someone putting together a one million page brief full of baloney is going to want it skillfully edited by a non-lawyer? Not to mention having to go through it again, since you might make editorial changes that alter the argument.

Now, for the second part of my answer. Many firms hire former journalists, editors and skilled writers for the marketing team. Because that stuff, when written by lawyers, is deadly. Some of the best law firm marketers I know are former journalists that lead a law firm’s publication and public relations efforts. They will also tell you that the pay is significantly better than what they would earn writing for a newspaper or magazine. The down side is that it is extremely boring. And instead of getting your stuff edited by skilled editors, you get your stuff edited by those same lawyers. It can be frustrating. But, it pays well. And polished marketing collateral, be it a magazine, client alert, press release, newsletter or article, does stand out. If you get a good paying publications job at a law firm, send me a gift certificate for dinner somewhere. Sincerely yours, THE MARKETING ATTORNEY

Dear MAM: I was wondering where you stand on Martindale. Is it still a necessary expense? And do people care about ratings and the other things they are selling? Sincerely, J.E., Clark, NJ

Dear J.E.: Repeatedly, in my work with firms and meetings with In-House counsel, Martindale continues to be an important and necessary component for any firm’s marketing effort. The real question is to what extent.

Not only do decision-makers still count on MH as “the” lawyer directory, but many more than you and I would like to think still use the damn books! Why? Habit, age and comfort.

Dear MAM: I get something in the mail almost every day for one law marketing conference or another. Which do you attend?

Thanks for any light you can shed. Sincerely yours, D.G., Orlando, FL

Dear DG: We are obviously on the same mailing lists. I can tell you that I’ve pocketed my cash and do not even consider “conferences” like the Marketing Partner Forum (nothing more than a boondoggle and sponsor-fest) or the LMA National Conference (you would think that it might improve one year; it does not). To be a full LMA member requires a heartbeat and a dues payment, following an ill-conceived plan to self-destruct last year. There seem to be about a dozen other for-profit seminars that rarely look much better.

Dear MAM: I recently received the following e-mail from a law directory that I had never heard of. Is it legit? Do you suggest trying it out? It read as follows:

#1 Search Result on Google

January 10, 2005 – The Law Firm Directory at http://www.MegaFirms.com is now featured as the #1 search result for “law firms” at Google.com. Since its launch in early 2004, Megafirms.com has attracted nearly 10% of all searches for “LAW FIRMS” on Google by consumers and corporate counsel searching the web for qualified representation.